Local businesses that want to get their products on H-E-B’s shelves will have a chance to learn how at the new H-E-B Plus in Copperas Cove.

The store will offer a “Learn How to do Business with H-E-B” program at the chain’s new location at 10 a.m. Friday.

The program, sponsored by the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation, will focus on what local entrepreneurs can do to do business with H-E-B.

“This is what H-E-B does when they open a new store,” said Monica Hull, director of business development at the Copperas Cove Economic Development Corporation. “They reach out to the local community to use as much local goods and services as possible. And it’s not just groceries and sundries.”

Hull said the program will explain how local businesses can get their products into the new store’s inventory, but it also will teach businesses how to get H-E-B to use their services.

She said H-E-B regularly works with local service providers in fields like janitorial, security and IT.

H-E-B spokeswoman Tamra Jones said while it certainly takes effort for local businesses to get their foot in the door, the program fills them in on exactly how the process works.

“The meeting will introduce H-E-B’s guidelines on doing business with local growers, manufacturers and vendors,” Jones said. “H-E-B is excited to host a local supplier meeting for the Copperas Cove community. Even though the store has already opened, it’s important for us to share the information with local growers and vendors. H-E-B makes every effort to buy Texas products first and we’ll make room in the new store to showcase qualified products.”

Hull said the arrangement benefits both H-E-B and local vendors.

“It makes economic sense for H-E-B to do business locally,” she said. “It is an opportunity to support and expand business, and help local vendors and suppliers sell their products.”